Tropical Storm Francine, currently located in the Gulf of Mexico, is expected to intensify into a Category 1 hurricane by its anticipated landfall on the Louisiana coast on Wednesday. As of Monday, it had maximum sustained winds of 50 mph and was moving north-northwest. Hurricane and storm surge watches have been issued for much of Louisiana's coastline, with the potential for life-threatening storm surges and heavy rainfall of 4 to 12 inches in some areas. Emergency declarations have been made in Calcasieu Parish, where local authorities have activated emergency plans and opened sandbag locations for residents. The storm's development is fueled by record-warm ocean temperatures, which have been linked to climate change. The National Hurricane Center predicts that the storm may peak on Wednesday, with conditions that could lead to further intensification.